Tie Breaker

Felix Verdejo Back in the Ring After Layoff, Jose Pedraza Debuts as an Undercard

Puerto Rican boxing lightweight fighters Felix Verdejo and Jose Pedraza are on the spot this month as Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum hinted that they are on a collision course.

Arum discussed the prospects of both players facing undercard fights after the promotional contract signing of Pedraza last week. Pedraza is bound to make a strong debut with the company after they finish their separate bouts on the 17th of March. The event is expected to be held at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Verdejo, on the other hand, is back in the ring after suffering from a 13-month layoff. He held back on his fights due to injuries caused by an accident. The fights of Pedraza and Verdejo will be scheduled under the undercard campaign of Top Rank’s ESPN Tripleheader.

The event will be highlighted with the fight against Jose Ramirez (21-0, 16 KO) and Amir Imam (21-1, 18 KO). They are battling for the vacant junior welterweight world title division.

In an interview done by ESPN Verdejo says, “I am happy to return to New York with the task of showing the world that I am back to retake what is mine.” His previous year was marred with a lot of misfortunes as he lost his shot at the world title. He lost the fight to lightweight titleholder Terry Flanagan from the UK.

Pedraza will be facing head-to-head with Jose Luis Rodriguez (23-11-1, 13KOs). He lost his title last year to Gervonta after suffering from a knock out on the seventh round.

He says, “I feel very happy to be fighting for a promotional company like Top Rank.” He also adds, “I am going to give it all so my fans will enjoy my return to the ring. With Top Rank in my corner, I will become world champion once again, and I know that I have the potential to become a superstar.”